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How to Reset Windows 11 Settings App

Richard
Written by
Richard
Updated 4 min read
How to Reset Windows 11 Settings App
How to Reset Windows 11 Settings App
Before you start
  • 5 steps
  • Includes a restart or sign-out

Trouble with the Windows 11 Settings app? This tutorial shows how to repair or reset it. It works for a Settings app that won’t open, closes right after it opens, or behaves oddly.

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⚡ Quick Answer

Open the Start menu, right-click Settings, select App settings, scroll to Advanced options, and click the Reset button. Confirm the reset when prompted. Windows will restore the Settings app to its original defaults within seconds.

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What is the 🪟 Windows 11 Settings App?

The Windows 11 Settings app is the central control room for your PC. You use it to change screen brightness, sound volume, app permissions, network options, updates and how apps behave, all in one organized place.

Because so much runs through it, a broken Settings app is a real nuisance. The fix below takes about a minute.

When Should You Reset the Settings App?

Reset the Settings app when it stops working, won’t open, crashes, or acts strangely. Typical signs are pages that stay blank, a window that closes the moment you open it, or options that don’t respond to clicks.

⚠️WarningA reset returns the app to its original, default state.

It erases the app’s saved preferences and sign-in details, which usually clears stubborn problems. The reset applies to the Settings app itself. It doesn’t touch your personal files or your installed programs. You can’t undo a reset, so try Repair first (covered near the end).

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How to Reset the 🪟 Windows 11 Settings App

  1. Open the Start menu and right-click the Settings app.

If Settings isn’t pinned to Start, select All apps and find it in the list. You can also type “Settings” in the search box and right-click the result. A context menu should appear next to the icon.

Windows 11 Start menu showing Settings app option
windows 11 start settings
  1. Select App settings from the menu. On some builds it sits under More, so open that submenu if you don’t see it right away.

The Settings app’s own page opens. Its Advanced options section lists the repair and reset controls, which help when the app isn’t working correctly.

Windows 11 Settings app reset options displayed
windows 11 reset settings app
  1. Scroll down in the window that opened until you see the Reset button.

You should see a Repair button just above it. A reset fixes frozen apps and incorrect settings by returning the app to its original defaults, so it resolves many common problems.

Reset button highlighted in Windows 11 Settings app
windows 11 reset settings app reset button
  1. Click the Reset button. A message will appear saying “This will permanently delete the app’s data on this device, including your preferences and sign-in details.”
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⚠️Warning

Read the message. This is your last chance to back out, because the reset can’t be reversed.

Reset prompt warning in Windows 11 Settings app
windows 11 settings app reset prompt
  1. Click Reset again to confirm.

Windows works for a few seconds. A check mark appears next to the button when it finishes. That’s it! Your Settings app is now reset.

Open Settings again to test it. You don’t normally need to restart, but if the problem is still there, restart the PC and try once more.

Try Repairing First

Before resetting, consider repairing the Settings app. Repair is a less drastic measure and keeps the app’s data. On the same App settings page, click Repair, wait for the check mark, then try opening Settings.

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If the Repair option doesn't resolve the issue, go back and follow the steps above to reset the app.

Summary

Resetting the Windows 11 Settings app is a useful fix for when it's not working correctly, returning it to its original state. Try Repair first, reset only if you need to, and restart the PC if the problem persists.

Frequently asked questions

How to reset 🪟 Windows 11 without losing your apps, files, and Settings?

Use Reset this PC with the Keep my files option. Windows reinstalls itself, keeps your personal files in folders like Documents and Pictures, removes your installed apps, and returns system settings to their defaults. Open Settings, go to System, select Recovery, then choose Reset PC.

How do I Reset Windows settings back to default?

Windows has no single switch that resets every setting. To reset only the Settings app, open Settings, go to Apps, select Installed apps, click the three dots beside Settings, choose Advanced options, and click Reset. To reset the whole system, use Reset this PC.

How to fully Reset 🪟 Windows 11 to factory Settings?

This erases all your files, apps, and settings, so back up your data first. Then open Settings, go to System, select Recovery, click Reset PC, and choose Remove everything. Windows reinstalls itself and returns to its original state.

Why isn't the Settings app working in 🪟 Windows 11?

A Settings app that won't open usually has damaged saved data, a faulty update, or a conflict with third-party software. Try Repair first from Settings, then Apps, then Installed apps, under Advanced options for Settings. If that fails, use Reset in the same menu. Your files stay untouched.

Still have a question?

Answered by AI from this guide. Good questions may be added to this page — please don't include personal details.

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Tags: #Windows 11

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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.

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